Seven big ones…

Every game from here on out is big, but seven games against the Phillies are Brewers loom particularly large, especially given the outcome of the last two days. Those would have been nice to have, but there’s no real use worrying about it now. We’ve got to be two games better than Adam Dunn’s D-backs from here on out…

Don’t forget about tomorrow’s 2 p.m. PT web chat with Larry Bowa or tomorrow night’s game with Joe Beimel bobblehead. I know that a ton of you were pretty vocal in the debate of who should be the “Fans Vote” bobblehead so now it’s time to come out and see Big Joe get his day in the sun (or under the lights).

well almost first just stoppin by really quick to say thanks to eric for giving us fans who have an Ethier addiction a new group to join called “Ethieraholics” its a very serious condition and thanks to those who gave us the 12 steps to fallow!! LMAO!!!

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just a quick question to anyone that knows… can you get kicked out of a game for having a beach ball? or a sign? i’ve seen a lot of people with signs so i didn’t think it would be a big deal but then again i don’t wanna pay $60 just to get kicked out… lol

Adam Dunn’s D-Backs! HA! Just another strikeout for the Dodgers to record.
Can’t say I’m going to root too hard against the Phillies ‘cuz you gotta show some love to Jayson Werth, our boy who should be in right field right now with Kemp and Ethier, and Chase Utley, UCLA alum.

Is Nomar coming back tomorow? That would be great, considering he was en fuego when he was playing last. Do you think Manny will have a flashback when he looks down at his shortstop and sees Garciaparra on the back of the jersey? Also, I’m all about being an “Ethierholic” too, but we better start winning some games with him in the starting lineup. I’ll take wins and Phew over losses and Ethier any day of the week. Just saying, for superstitions sake.

I agree, he had great at bats as is definitely the right choice in the outfield. My point is that everyone is so obsessed about worrying whether he is in the lineup everyday, that maybe we should start looking at the bigger picture, and other problems with the team. If we don’t win this division, who cares if he is starting in the outfield everyday. I don’t. That’s all i’m saying.

If Juan Pierre had been in the lineup these last two games we wouldn’t have been in the position to blow them. We would have just been beat in the top on the 9th. Especially Friday’s game. If our Lovable Little Little Leaguer was in center the Giants win that game easily.

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saul- i see what ur saying but the reason we “Ethieraholics” “obsess” over having Andre in the lineup and not JP is cause those two games we lost in San fran would have been BIG TIME losses if JP was in the lineup and not Andre! ur saying we lost those games with andre in the lineup but they were for sure losses with JP…

Same lineup for three days in a row! Way to go Joe!
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Is that the first time this year? What is wrong, Joe, with establishing a consistent lineup earlier in the year? What is wrong, Joe, with winning games in April, May, June, and July? Why do you wait until August?

Hindsight is 20/20. I’m just frustrated that this team can’t seem to figure it out. My new theory is we need to do everything opposite of the way we think it should be for things to turn out right. One day it’s hitting. Another it’s the management. Then it’s the coaches. Andruw Jones. Starting pitching. Blown Relief. Argh. Testing my patience these Dodgers are.

Love the line up. Let’s kick some….BEHINDS….today! I’m so happy Ethier is still playing.

ARCADONA…I’ve seen several signs up so I don’t think that you will get kicked out, just don’t throw the sign. Each time I’ve seen a beach ball they just take it away…Have you figure out what the sign is going to say….I say you write “ETHIERAHOLICS” and an arrow pointing at yourself… LOL, well if you are an ETHIERaholics!

This line was in sports hub la today. I just think it’s almost funny, if it wasn’t so sad, that pretty much everyone, media and fans alike knew that Andre should be starting and it took Joe over 1/2 the season to figure it out:

Look for Andre Ethier to get the start again in right, as Torre seems to have (finally, thankfully) settled on him as an everyday outfielder.

Good afternoon ITD boys and girls,
I was going to sign on after yesterday’s game but I got to the point that I just couldn’t. I didn’t know what to think, what to feel after the 2 walk-off losses to the gnats (yecch!) As it is, I’m not going to be here for long. I’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do around here. My husband and I are leaving tomorrow morning for a week to Vegas and then Laughlin. We’ll be back on Monday the 18th. I just couldn’t stay away that long without saying hi to my ITD buddies!!! :) It’s been a while, I know. I see a lot of new names on this blog!!! Welcome to all!!!

So we have another name: Ethieraholics??? I like that!!! Guess what I’m listening to. It’s Styx’ Greatest Hits and I’m listening to my inspiration: Blue Collar Man. That’s the song that I parodied to fit Andre’s situation. The only thing is that it seems like Torre has finally come to his senses and is playing him A LOT MORE!!! I likee that!!! :)

Your comment earlier to Northstateblues about loving the city; just hate the teams that play for the city? I feel exactly the same way (we do think alike, don’t we). I say that about San Francisco and San Diego. Beautiful cities; just don’t like the teams that play there…

With the D’Backs aquiring Feast or Famine Dunn it looks like they’re trying to keep up with us.
It was a tough weekend but we have to close the door behind us on that.
Got to look forward to the Phillies. This is a real test.
GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT DODGERS!!!
and DON’T PANICK!!!!!!!!.

TruBlue – Let me know if that happens; I WANT ONE!!! Not sure how much I’ll be able to sign on while on the road. I’m not like nelly that has a laptop that I could use. And I’m sure I can on my phone, but I don’t know how. But we’ll see. You just may see my name pop in if I can get a chance…

What a day for a daydream
What a day for our Ethier boy
And now I’m thinking ‘bout Andre
He’s my steamy dreamboaty joy
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And even if Juan ain’t really on this ride
Its one of those days for takin’ up Andre’s side
I’m blowin’ the day to think of Ethier hon
And hope to see him again on the outfield lawn
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I’ve been been dreamin’ of Andre
Been opine-in since I woke up today
Its all bout number sixteen
‘Cause he’s the one makes me feel this way
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And even if Torre’s passing him by a lot
I couldn’t care less bout what Andruw and Phew ain’t got
Tomorrow again I’ll be a blowin’ off work
But I don’t care because my boss is a jerk
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[Whistle]
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And you can be sure that if you’re thinkin’ right
Everything ‘Dre do will be outta sight
Tomorrow at breakfast you may ***** up your ears
A still be hearin’ ‘Dre gettin’ thousands of cheers
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What a day for a daydream
Custom made for our Ethier boy
And now I’m thinking ‘bout Andre
He’s my steamy dreamboaty joy
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[Whistle]

Can’t let to many days go by without a JP song. Fats Domino, I’m Walkin':

I’M SQWAWKIN’
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I’m sqwawkin’, yes indeed
I’m talkin’ ‘bout I not we
I’m hopin’ that Joe will play JP (that’s me)
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I’m worried as I can be
I’m sittin’ behind ‘Dre you see
I’m hopin’ that Joe comes back to me
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Whatcha gonna do when your mouth runs wild?
And your O B P and your sluggin’s mild?
I am what I am, but I get reviled
To get back in the game I’d have Joe’s child
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I’m sqwawkin’, yes indeed
I’m talkin’ ‘bout I not we
I’m hopin’ that Joe will play JP
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(sax)
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I’m sqwawkin’, yes indeed
I’m talkin’ ‘bout I not we
I’m hopin’ that Joe will play JP (that’s me)
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I’m worried as I can be
I’m sittin’ behind ‘Dre you see
I’m hopin’ that Joe comes back to me
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Whatcha gonna do when’ Joe’s made his mind?
Stick it to me good where the sun don’t shine
That’s the reason why that I opine
Only get to play when we’re way behind.
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I’m sqwawkin’, yes indeed
I’m talkin’ ‘bout I not we
I’m hopin’ that Joe will play JP

half an hour ’til gametime… somehow, I’m more optimistic now than I was going into the Frisco series. Wonder if Manny’s cut his hair yet… I’m sure the stadium will be filled with dreads.

Question for the ladies of ITD: How do you feel about the pink team merchandise movement of the last few years? I’m a guy, so the only thing to temper my laughter at a pink Giants logo is a look at a pink Dodgers logo. But how do you all feel about seeing your football team’s logo in pink?

As a diehard Raiders fan (who’s been doing a lot of dying the past few years, heh), I know I puked a little when I saw the shield in pink. The Raiders guy is modeled after Randolph Scott, you know, and that’s akin to putting a ballet tutu on the Duke himself (Wayne OR Snider).

Hey everybody. Great line-up tonight. This is the third time in a row with his line-up, lets just see if they can get on a roll and not lose another one. We get the line-up everybody wants and they don’t produce. What gives?
Time for every player to step up and make a push for the Western division title.

Suggest Dodger fans who want to keep this a family experience, contact the Dodgers about the fact that Snoop Dogg is scheduled to throw the first pitch on 21 Aug, a day game with lots of kids from day camps in attendance. Snoop Dogg has numerous convictions and legal issues with drugs, guns, violence, foul language, etc. Not exactly the role model that should be honored at Dodger Stadium in front of so many kids. I hope the Dodgers can find someone better suited and deserving.

Someone needs to tell Watson on Dodgers Live that Beimel’s hairstyle is not a mullet. He kept calling it a mullet every time they were showing his bobblehead. He must have slept through the late 80’s if he thinks Beimel’s hair is a mullet.

northstateblues.. i’m the opposite of a girly girl so i really don’t like sports things in pink. i think that teams should stick with their traditional colors, and if the girls are actual fans, they shouldn’t think that being in dodger blue is bad..

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dodgersrule- yeah i’ve seen signs up all the time i just haven’t tried to take a sign in myself and dnelly said they arnt aloud… but if i am going to make a sign it will say “ETHIERAHOLIC” lol and yes i am a BIG TIME Ethieraholic!! i was one of the first to join the group along with Nelly and eric (the founder of Ethieraholics) HAHA!!

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hey cpo! i’m doing good! sorry i wasn’t on here when you posted that comment earlier! how about you? as you can see we have a new group for all the fans who have an addiction to Andre called Ethieraholics!! haha!!

Acardona = Ethieraholic

been addicted to Andre for 2 years and been a member of Ethieraholics anonymous since it started! lol

vl4ecc – falling on the job with the James Loney song – sorry! My mom role kind of got in the way – it’s called making dinner. I will make up for James next time :)
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BTW – I haven’t seen your name here before. Are you new to Inside the Dodgers? If yes, welcome!

dnelly Not new. My user name usually comes up jjriley22. We had a hellatious thunder storm here earlier where I live in west Texas, and the power was out for a while. I have no idea why it’s using another email address I have now.

My Loney has a first name,
It’s J-A-M-E-S
My Loney has a second name,
It’s L-O-N-E-Y
I love to watch him every day
And if you ask me why I’ll say
‘Cause James Loney has a way
With H-I-T-T-I-N-G!
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By leefink and martinloneykemp

What a great inning. The thing I really love is how the young guys are starting to realize that they don’t have to swing for the fences with Manny in the lineup, they just need to get on base and let him drive them in. We needed to get off to this start.

Northstate, regarding pink, it doesn’t bother me. I have some t-shirts in the standard colors and I have a few with pink, depends on my mood. Growing up in the 70’s, I always had to buy the men’s t-shirts or buy them in the boys department, so I do like that they have ones designed for woman now, because they do fit a lot better and look better too.

This top of the order is just awesome!!!
The Bison being the Bison
Andre is working the counts and letting Matt do his thing
and then Jeff (this inning) and Manny being Manny – it’s great!!
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signed,
Nelly ~ ethieraholic :)

thanks boblee! i was talking with my mom earlier today and we both totally forgot the olympics has started and we’ve been missing out on all the micheal phelps swimming!! i was on the swim team YEARS ago when i lived in hawaii so i love to watch the swim meets!!

There is definately a double standard on this blog. If Pierre “lost it in the lights” every one of you would be screaming at Joe for playing him but when Ethier does it nobody even mentions it. I don’t think you can help it…its just the way it is.

You can certainly block the bag if you’re a fielder, but if you slide spikes first, like Kemp, not a lot of infielders are going to block your path. Pierre coming in hands first is NOT a fear-producing event.

Can somebody please explain to me why Ethier is allowed to lose a ball in the lights then ground into an inning ending DP and nobody says a word about it but when Pierre makes an out of any kind every single person is screaming for him to be benched…

I don’t follow Nelly…I’m not bashing Ethier, or by any means saying that Pierre is better. I’m just wondering why there isn’t any reaction towards Ethier when he makes mistakes and such passionate reaction towards Pierre when he makes a mistake.

swood ~ You are probably right about the double standard, but I think right now it’s a respect issue. JP has lost a lot of respect for the things he has said. However, when I was at the dbacks series, Manny got a standing ovation for striking out. Isn’t that a bit of a double standard when Andruw is booed for doing the same thing – it goes back to a respect issue, not a double standard issue. Some of us as fans have lost respect for how Andruw has not taken his role seriously – laughing and smirking when he strikes out. Of course this in my opinion.

I dislike Juan because he’s not a team player, has a noodle arm, is a whiney baby and has no power, sulks when he’s not playing, has an interfering mother, and a few other dozen reasons too numerous to mention here.

Nelly- Your point is well taken, but I think its a little unfair to compair what Manny/Andruw to Ethier/Pierre. I mean one could make a legit argument(I’m not going to make it) that Pierre should be playing over Ethier. Obviously, there is no comparison between Manny and Adruw.

Thank you Boblee!! even though you are a Cowboys fan :)
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swood ~ What can I say. I don’t like JP, never have in the whole time he has been with the Dodgers. I, personally, if Ethier can’t be out there, prefer Jones. I would support Jones before JP being in the lineup. I like good defense and JP doesn’t have good defense. My son’s a pitcher, and I think that is where I get how defense can mess you up if it’s not working. Andre, in the long run, is going to make far less mistakes and can throw the ball vs JP and his arm (IMO). Same goes for Jones vs. JP, too.

I’m coming in second a lot today. Crash beat me with the 12-step program and enchanted posted his “Daydream” song just when I was ready to post “What a day for a ‘Dre-dream”. Back to the drawing board………..

I have to admit that I feel out-of-touch when I see the Dodgers honor someone like Snoop Dogg, as scott93063 said earlier. I must be missing something somewhere.

Andre obviously lost that ball in the lights. And the only standard most of us here adhere to is to play the best players every day you can.

You cannot block the base without the ball. It was close, but Juan hit Utley’s leg before the ball got to his glove. Instant replay would have given the base to Pierre, but the umps almost never call that. I love Scioscia, but he used to get away with that all the time.

I guess I should rephrase my question-If any veteran Dodger player had an inning like the one Ethier had each of you would be screaming to get rid of him but when a young player has an inning like that you guys don’t even acknowledge it.

Another example is 2 years ago when Baez had a save situation in SF he had an inning like Broxton had a couple nights ago and every single person on this blog was screaming and cursing to get rid of him and fire Colletti but when Broxton had a bad inning and blew the game everyone just said “oh well get ‘em next time”.

For cryin’ out loud. Willie Mays used to make an occasional error. No one is ever going to expect anyone to be error-free. The difference is that Ethier has demonstrated from early in spring training that he deserves to start. When Pierre is playing at his expense it weakens the team. Period. You say that “one could make a legit argument(I’m not going to make it) that Pierre should be playing over Ethier”. Well, make it. Go on. As I and several others have said around here, make your argument. We can discuss it rationally, without it turning into a bunch of third-grader name-calling. Make your argument how Juan should be playing over Andre.

I’m sure Pierre feels it’s unfair. But to support your argument, I will promise to post a steaming profanity laced diatribe about how Ned and Joe should send Broxton to the Pony League if he blows this game, okay?

Yes but that was also Baez’s 1st outing…it was the opening series of the season. Also, a week into the season when both Andruw and Martin were struggling all the posts were directed towards Andruw and not a negative word was said about Russ. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not just a Pierre vs. Ethier thing, it seems to be a young vs. veteran players thing.

What’s fair in life swood? Was it fair of Joe to give Andre the starting LF job out of spring training, then bench him the next day? Was it fair that LaRoche never got a legitimate chance to play third? Is it fair that Anddruw wasted all of those at bats? It just is what it is.

We’ve taken a dislike to many of the vets, and really support the kids. Maybe its not fair, but it is what it is.

DodgerEric, I know you have been posting on this blog for a while, so you probably recall as recent as a few months ago there were people here who argued Pierre over Ethier. You can go to Weisman’s blog and find people right now who like Pierre better than Ethier. I am not going to make that argument because I am not a big Pierre fan, nor was that the point I was trying to make.

I agree with you enchanted, I think the vision of the Dodger organization is with the youth. Otherwise, they would have given Boston Andre (that’s who they wanted) but didn’t. Berroa is a very weak player and I hope Nomar comes back tomorrow.

Enchanted, last year people on this blog absolutely blasted Kent whenever he made an error and yet he was probably our second best offensive player(I think he let the team in average at 302 and HR’s at 20).

How can you fault the play of Andre. He is patient at the plate, and does what ever he can to help the team. Blake made a big error yesterday and nobody called for his head on a platter. So, leave Andre alone!

It comes down to respect not double standards. Manny’s hair is right now a double standard, but I don’t think many of us care whether he cuts it or not, but we respect him (most of us) as a ballplayer.

I faulted Blake yesterday. Unfortionately I didn’t watch the game in my room so I couldn’t post on the blog but trust me I had some choice words when he made that error. Personally, if a dodger misjudges a ball in right field and costs us atleast one run then hits into an inning ending DP the next I’m going to say something, whether its Willy Mays or Juan Pierre.

Impressive 8 to 6 Victory By Our Beloved Los Angeles Dodgers over the Philadelphia Phillies where everybody were Super Heroes! This Fun kryptonite Busting Ride is just The Beginning until The World Series Championship is Won!

Go Dodgers!! Some scary moments but some nice ones as well. We need Saito back. Now we know how much we do need him. I’m at work but wish I were there at the Ravine. It sounds like another one of those fantastic exciting games. I’ll be at the game tomorrow night for Joe Beimel bobblehead night and then over the weekend. Tonight I will have to be content to sit here in the office listening to my favorite song “I love LA” the Dodger victory song. Let’s continue winning.

Swood ~ I understand what you are saying but, no player should have to worry all the time if it will cost him his job if he makes an error. I get angry too but, you have to say tomorrow is another day.

Don’t know what to tell you swood. It’s just the dynamic of this blog right now. I think if Manny makes a gaffe right now, he gets a pass. Blake pretty much the same, and in fact he did nothing with the bases loaded twice tonight and didn’t catch hell. I have to go back to the point that with most of the vets this year, their poor performance has been the norm rather than the exception. Its also expectation. We expect the vets to do well – they’re veterans and should know what they’re doing. All of these kids have less than three years in the bigs, and Torre seems to have turned everything inside out on them, so right or wrong, we give them more leeway.

ndeschenes ~ short but sweet tonight ~ Thank you for gracing us with your presence. The Dodgers pulled that one out for us, that’s good. We hope to hear from you tomorrow as well. Have a fabulous evening and a spectacular tomorrow :)

Sorry, I think I have been misleading. I am by no means talking about playing time, I am just talking about the reactions of the fans and how the mistakes young players make are overlooked and every mistake that the vets make get magnified. I think my post about Kent is a good example of that. What I mean is if you sort through the prior posts on this blog you will find that almost all of the darogotory ones are aimed at veteran players.

Well said, enchanted. It’s hard for the younger players when they don’t know if they’ll be in the lineup the next day. If a veteran makes a mistake or goes 0-4 oh well, its okay but if Andre does it, he has to wonder if he’ll play.

Beav ~ I don’t know what else to say ~ I just don’t like JP. It’s that simple. I like Andre for many reasons other than his work on the field and yes, he’s cute, but that’s really not the reason either (ethier) I am one of his many, many fans.

Not true TruBlue, you guys bash the heck out of Kent all the time. I know his average is down a bit this year and his defense is bad as usual but he doesn’t deserve the way some of you treat him. Same goes for Pierre.

Yeah, I’ve been here since the Hot Stove League this past winter. I know that there are Pierre supporters, and that’s just fine. Before he started crying, I liked him just fine. I just didn’t think he should have been starting. There was a point for a few games before Ramirez got here that I would have put him in the lineup over Jones, but NEVER over Ethier, and only in the 7 or 8 slot. I don’t know how old you are, but if you’re old enough to remember the 70’s, would you replace Dusty Baker with Rudy Law?

There is an idiot who finds his way onto this blog every now and then when his baby sitter falls asleep and cries for Hee Seop Choi. That doesn’t mean that it’s a valid point.

But I guess none of this is what your point is about. You allude to a double standard. My argument is that I don’t think there is one. A double standard would apply if both players were equal and treated differently. Speaking for myself, I don’t feel the two of them are equal at all.

Here are the two sides as I see them:

When I see Pierre misplay a ball or continue to stink in the leadoff role while Ethier is languishing on the bench, I get upset because Pierre should not be out there.

When I see Ethier misplay a ball or ground into a double play, I don’t get too upset because he is the one I want in the game. Neither one is going to be perfect, but why would you be upset if your best team is out there? Why would I be upset if Willie Mays made an error? Why would I demand that he be removed? He’s who I want in the game. I’m certainly not comparing Ethier to Mays, I’m just exaggerating to make my point.

TruBlue, the only player that I was never able to bash was Beltre because he is my all time favortie player and I could never bring myself to say anything against him. Thats why it was dumb of me to bring up the Ethier Pierre comparison because I know many of you feel the same way about Ethier that I did about Beltre. I have kind of that same feeling towards Manny also, but nothing like Beltre. That 2004 season was so great for him and me. We NEVER should have let him leave for Seattle. That was seriously one of the saddest days of my life =(

Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Kent has been totally bashed. I think a lot of us have said he should not be batting clean up, which I don’t think he should have been, but I still respect what he’s accomplished in his career. I made a comment recently that he’s hit the ball hard a lot lately and been robbed of a lot of hits and I think some others have said the same thing.

swood, you’re right again…I DID hate it when Grady was playing Gonzo and Pierre at the expense of Ethier and Kemp. But time is proving us idiots somewhat right. Kemp is blossoming…even Vinny is gushing during the telecasts. Ethier, too. Joe and Grady, even Ned, like vets. Ned keeps signing them, in spite of their inability to help. I don’t count Manny because I think McCourt was behind the momentum…and more importantly, Manny is GOOD! But this is a young team. The Dodgers need a manager that will embrace these kids, not fry their brains. Pierre is simply one more vet clogging up the pipeline. My dislike for Pierre is based on that, not his game (however limited it really is).

Eric, you are right about Pierre/Ethier, they are not equal players so that doesn’t accurately depict the point that I am trying to make. However, Kent…and even Nomar being bashed for every mistake they make when there are no better players in the organization right now who play their positions is unfair.

swood, there was a good amount of Kent bashing on the blog last year. Not so much this year, though. A lot of the people around now probably weren’t around last year, and there’s at least 3-5 new bloggers a week.

I might have posted an angry comment or 5 about Kent when he erred. And when he does well, I applaud him. I found it tough to like him once he was wearing our uniform, and part of me still remembers when I used to call him unspeakable names when he was in black and orange.

I’m not too happy when Kemp or Ethier errs, but they have more offensive upside than Pierre at this point. WIth those two, a swing of a bat could change the game. WIth Juan, he has to get on base first. And if Juan was performing well, I’d be ecstatic, but this year that hasn’t been the case.

I think you’re looking for the psychology of it swood and that’s a little complicated given so many different personalities on here. I think though that one of the common denominators, perhaps THE common denominator is performance. When the vets don’t perform to the level of [our] expectation, our disappointment is palpable and comes through on the posts. Our expectation with the young players isn’t as high because they’re still learning the big leagues. Don’t know if you can call our different levels of expectation a double standard exactly, just like you wouldn’t expect a second grader to know algebra, but you would an eigth grader. There are allowances there, just like the allowances we give to our young guys. I guarantee 3-4 years from now if Loney is grounding into 20 DPs, we’re going to be all over him, and not on whomever his protege is (or any other young guns we have then I’m sure.) I’m also sure that if any of the kids were having Andruw’s year, we’d be all over them too.

I don’t get to nearly of the posts so I am probably wrong but it seems like, partcularly last year, that alot of you bashed Kent, particularly about his range defensively, and he was our second best offensive player last year. Yet when Kemp would throw to the wrong base or make a baserunning error people would seem to let it slide more. Maybe I’m crazy but thats just how it seemed to me.

I understand if you make an angry comment about how Kent has no range…what I don’t understand is why you don’t make the same type of comment about Kemp when he does something stupid on the basepaths or in the outfield?

swood ~ you just happen to be talking about the two players I really don’t care for on this entire team. I don’t recall “bashing” Kent, and I certainly haven’t written a negative song about him specifically. He does have a manager’s double standard, however, when it comes to pitch count. He can swing at first pitches all day long, and Joe could care less, but if one of the young players does it, it is in the news the next day as not being patient at the plate.

I don’t know about last year, swood, because I myself, have only been posting for a short time. But, I do get angry when Matt makes a mistake running bases. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t play. They youngsters get better with every game they play. The veterans should know better, don’t you think?

swood, yeah. I can see your point. I think with me, I’m harder on Kent because he’s HOF bound, and knows what he’s doing, so when he messes up, it worries because he’s not getting any younger.

With someone like Kemp, he’s still learning the Big League game, and if he messes up, it’s a learning experience (at least we hope so). Kemp’s upside is vast, and I can only speak for myself, but I’ll take a Kemp error as long as he doesn’t repeat the same mistake often.

WIth Kent, I have this unrealistic expectation that he’s always going to be 2002 Kent, or even 2005 Kent, even though I know he’s a few years older.

Maybe I have a case of Collitis… somebody call a doctor, anyone but Conte.

swood ~ I do get upset with the young players for making mistakes, even Andre tonight, but generally during games, I usually try to stay positive or don’t post at all. I did say uugghh after Andre’s dp tonight. He really hasn’t done much to warrant being yelled at through a computer, and he’s not making 8 million a year ethier (either). We all have been making comments about Russells batting lately and Matt’s baserunning. Once again, they are kids and they are not making the veteran big bucks yet. However, in Andre’s case, I tend to feel bad for him rather than upset because he is in a position that if he doesn’t perform, he sits,which shouldn’t be the case.

swood, your myopia concerning Beltre is the same for us with Kemp and Ethier. We’re all fans…we’re not supposed to be logical or fair. As for the Dodgers “letting” Beltre go to Seattle…DePodesta offered him lots of cash. Beltre and Boras opted to take their act elsewhere. Biggest mistake Beltre ever made. L.A. loved the guy. He had a breakout year. Now, he’s just another third baseman on a bad team.

I know I will get absolutely hammered for saying this but have you guys noticed that since the kids started playing more at the end of last season and this season our run production has gone down and our record has been poor?

For me, it all comes down to this: If the guy I want to play is playing, I don’t get on him for screwing up. Everyone makes errors. Everyone hits into double plays. No one does it on purpose.

The anger comes from me when underperforming vets continue to play while better players are sitting on the bench. Whether they are younger or older makes no difference. You put the best players on the field if you want to win. I ran out of patience with Jones sometime in May.

I’m not going to get on Loney for hitting into double plays until there is someone better for us to play at first.

I’m not going to get on Kent because there is no one better to play second. No one. I wouldn’t hit him this high in the lineup until he hits better, but that’s my opinion. And I might scream that “Kent, you shoulda had that one”, but I won’t be screaming for Torre to stick Ozuna in there.

I’m not going to scream to get Nomar out of SS if he messes up because he’s our best option right now. But if Furcal was available………..

I didn’t scream to get rid of Blake yesterday just because he screwed up. He’s the one I want in there.

Etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.

So I guess I agree with your last point, don’t I? At least the one you made at 11:06.

The Dodgers’ run production might be down, but MartinLoneyKempEthier have been the top four in runs, RBIs, HRs, and hits nearly all year, with Kent sprinkled in here and there. The blame has to fall elsewhere.

Yes Eric, you do agree with that part of my point. The other part though is that it seems like if Kent makes an error or hits into a DP in a big spot there is a more spirited reaction than if Kemp or Ethier does it. Blake and Manny seem to be exceptions.

dnel made this point earlier, but let me expound upon it a little. Reading the posts I’m starting to grasp it a little better and it’s the second common denominator…

Perception/Respect. Though performance is the foundation from which the psychology is built, perception of the player forms the visceral reaction. Our perception of Andrew – Fat and doesn’t care. Why, because he’s out of shape for an athlete, and he grins with every strikeout. Our perception of JP – overrated and now even moreso, a malcontent. Couple those perceptions with their performance and they get no slack whatsoever. Even when they do something good, its like having a tooth pulled without novacaine to give a compliment. They’re the one’s that get the focus, even when the spotlight maybe should be on someone else. Our perception of Andre is one of a consumate professional. Why? Because he says and does the right things whether he’s playing or not. He therefore gets the benefit of the doubt.

Common denominator three (and someone also mentioned this above) – the us vs. them mentality of management vs. youth. The youth whom we’ve adopted as “us” and are perceived as underdogs vs. the veterans “them” and their entitlements. A rather classic battleground.

At the beginning of the season most of us wanting to see a young gun dynasty take shape, and if it meant going through a roller coaster ride to get there, we were willing to ride it out. I still feel that way. We have a core four now, and I am willing to let them make the mistakes necessary to become that core of our young gun dynasty next year. I am not saying I am giving up on this year (not even close), but I think with this core four (Martin, Loney,Kemp and Ethier) along with Billz and Kershaw and DeWitt/DY and possibly Hu in the mix, we have a shot at being a dynasty team like we all envisioned at the beginning of the season. That’s why I am willing to let them make the mistakes – they are the future of this Dodger team.

I never bash anyone for an opinion, whether I agree or not. Everyone here wants the same end result (except for maybe that pendejo del pueblo joeyp[brain]), and seeing how the Dodgers have millions of fans, there’s probably millions of opinions on how to get there.

That’s why I love this site. Reading all the different opinions. I only know what I think, and what family members and other fans I know think. Coming here, we can read opinions from Dodger fans not only around the country, but around the globe.

The day everybody agrees about everything is the day I leave this blog. It’d be like if Wilbon and Kornheiser agreed about everything on PTI for a week. Unwatchable.

Yes but AZ’s record is also worse this year than last. It seems like last year we were more in the middle of the pack in runs in the NL and this year we’re in the bottom half. I haven’t looked that up, thats just the way it seems. I am not blaming just the kids by any means…I’m just saying that maybe they have failed to do some of the little things here or there that vets such as Gonzo and Pierre did to get us runs. I’m sure the young guys will come around though and those little things will be done without even second thought.

Swood, I just want to say I’ve really enjoyed sparring with you tonight. I hope we can continue in the future. You have made some valid points which I respect and I hope we have made some too. We all want what is best for our team!

Oh, your eyes are brown
(Your eyes are so brown)
And your hair ain’t gray.
(No, your hair ain’t gray).
You’ll take a walk
(You will take a walk)
Or can hit away.
(Or can hit away).

I’d be safe and warm
(I’d be safe and warm)
if I was with Andre
(If I was with Andre)
I’m Andre dreamin’
(I am Andre dreamin’) on every summer day.

Stopped in to the park when I was in LA.
Well I got down on my knees
(got down on my knees)
I hope Joe plays Andre.
(I intend to pray).
You know that fool likes little Juan
(fool likes little Juan).
E’en though he cannot play.
(though he cannot play).
I am Andre dreamin’
(I am Andre dreamin’) on every summer day.

(Bridge)

I paid for a shirt
(It was only ten bucks)
It speaks of my desire.
(White on Dodger blue).
It says “Ethieraholics”
(Ethier-aholics)
and “Anonymous”.
(I can’t help myself).

I hope I can show him
(I can sneak it in)
That I’m his best fan.
(It’s under my jacket).
I am Andre dreamin’ (I am Andre dreamin’) on every summer day.
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day,
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.

Ward,dear – A very swell song!!! All the ethieraholics are very proud of you :)
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You know,eric you have created a monster with this ethieraholics stuff, and then you and crash adding the 12 steps and now the song. They want you to design a shirt.

i don’t see how it’s difficult to understand.. when you like someone sometimes you’re just not as critical of them.. when you don’t like someone.. you’re quicker to judge.. that’s just a natural reaction..

My team (Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Brian Vickers) is doing well, 3rd in head-to-head play and 2nd in Points. My main man, Jimmie Johnson is also doing ok. He’s 3rd in the points race and only 2 points from 2nd. All that goes out the window when they get down to 10 races to go. If it started today, he’d be in 3rd, 60 points behind. He’s got the potential to win it again, but Lil’ Shrub (Busch) isn’t showing any signs of weakening. He’ll be tough to beat, but not impossible.

I didn’t see it during the actual race – I was at a meeting at church, but I saw highlights – that was something else. I have been paying attention to Denny Hamlin alot lately. I enjoy watching him race.

Well, the highlights definitely didn’t show that much detail. Wow!! That angle made it look pretty bad. It amazes me how they can walk away from things like that – the technology behind that is phenomenal.

They’ve improved a lot since Dale Earnhardt was killed. They have softer walls and have really improved inside the car. Their helmets are tethered so they can’t jerk forward. They think that’s what killed Dale. They were just coming out with that technology when he died. He didn’t want to use it, but it’s required now. They also have a collar that keeps the head from going to the side. The new car they’re racing full time now has stronger doorpanels and they’ve moved the driver’s seat towards the middle a bit and away from the door. I’ve only been watching since ’04, but I’ve seen some absolutely horrific crashes and no one’s been killed.

The game was also the Dodgers’ first real glimpse at a “Manny being Manny” moment. Ramirez was late getting to left field to start the ninth inning because he claimed to be in the bathroom. Torre said that Ramirez thought he was out of the game for a defensive replacement.
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Ramirez’s new teammates let him hear about it.
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“All the guys were (saying), ‘We play nine here,'” he said afterward.
.http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/ci_10172552

No way they go to 11 pitchers, so it has to be a position player. I can’t believe they’d let Sweeney go after sticking with him this far. Ozuna seems like the odd man out here, being the low man on the infield, but they can’t trust Ginger to stay healthy.

Put me down for Andruw going on the DL. He’d come off just before the rosters expand. But I’ve been wrong more than I’ve been right with this management team.

I think JP needs to get more sleep so he’s not so cranky. He needs to loosen up and live a little. Maybe I would like him better if he were at least acting like he was having a good time out there. Even when Andre was riding the rail, he still looked happy.
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As for Andruw – makes you wonder if the original surgery really happened. It’s amazing how coincidental it all is when he leaves to go on the DL.

Good Morning ITD writers and readers!!
.
It’s always good to wake up and know the Dodgers won the previous night. Well, it looks like according to the pictures, Andre and Matt are showing Manny the ropes as far as their jump celebrations at the end of the game. The young guys teaching Manny some things – very cool!

good morning dnelly ~ boy, what a night. I take it back. Boy, what day. Starting with ethieraholics and ending with the lively debate with Swood last night. Very invigorating, wasn’t it. I saw the idea for the “shirt” and it sounds good to me. They are going to put poor Andruw on the DL to make room for Nomar’s return. I only hope Joe sticks with the same lineup he had yesterday.

He doesn’t have any reason not to. Unlike swood would like us to believe Andre was on base twice last night. Other than the double play(which is only his third), the other at-bats were good, lengthy at-bats, and he scored a run on top of it. I think this PH role is a very good one for Pierre if he can get on and stay on. It brings an element in the late innings that can be helpful. In the meantime, Matt is doing a great job at lead off and in centerfield, and I think as long as he does well, Joe will want the defense of Andre and Matt on the field. So, at this point, I think it’s up to both Matt and Andre to keep JP off the defensive end of the game. I think that is what Joe saw most over the weekend in SF over both Matt and Andre hitting, it was Matt’s defense that was most noticeable. So, if Joe’s inclination is to move Matt over to Centerfield than you have no other option than to put Andre in Right because JP can’t play right.

Good Morning, jhall ~ I don’t think there can be enough steps to cure a real ethieraholic – LOL!!!! Eric has come up with a classic term that can easily spread throughout Dodger fan world, if it gets to the right people. What a marketing tool that would be to keep Andre with the Dodgers for a while anyway.
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We can get shirts for Matt (Bison related), James has his song, and Russell (Captain related somehow). They can be marketed just as well as the Manny things if given to the right people. It’s finding the right people :)

fliegel – the point is it was “an” error and he far supasses that one error with his arm and the number of assists he has had this year. Also, as far as double plays, Andre now has four and JP has three (not quite a huge gap between the two).

Just to let you know – Kent leads the team in errors with 10 and JP and Ethier are tied with 2. The other one Ethier had was against the Giants during the first series in that rainy game where everything was screwy. So, cut the boy some slack!!! Matt has 3, if you are wondering. Meanwhile, Matt has 11 assists, Andre has 7 and JP has 1.

Okay, ITD writers and readers ~ have a wonderful morning, I am going to a all-morning staff meeting. Yes, my summer vacation has officially come to an end. I will check in when I am finished with my meeting – Have a great day!!!
signed,
Nelly, Debbie, June, Mom, and back to being Mrs. Nelson ~ all ethieraholics :)

Yes, I am still here – Fuentes (our hometown boy) blew it big time the other day!! We need to pull for the Rox to win so we need Brian to do well too.
.
I have confidence in Broxton. He will figure it out.

I have confidence in Brox to physically do the job, don’t get me wrong. I just wonder if he’s, to use a golfing term, getting the yips when he’s in the 9th. That will take some time to get over. It will help a lot if Saito is still around to help him through the tough times. Last night he had some bad luck. That high chopper, the bloop to left. But as I said, the walk to a guy hitting .217 in the ninth is not acceptable. If I were the manager, I’d fine any closer for doing that. Five fastballs, 4 balls and a strike. I’d calmly walk out to the mound and say, “Mr Broxton, that will be $1000 for walking that stiff. Babe Ruth is dead. You throw 100mph. Throw strikes.”

If I remember right, Brox tailed of late last season as well. I do think he gets the yips as a closer though, and that’s something he’ll have to overcome, or he’ll permanently be resigned to the set-up roll.

Since they carry 12 pitchers, why not alternate Brox and Kuo as closers for awhile regardless of the righty/lefty match-ups? It would keep both sharp, but not overused. Make Wade the set-up man, and don’t be afraid to let Park or whomever else go two innings when they’re throwing well. This one inning crap where Torre pulls a guy who’s just been lights out the inning before is stupid.

You’ve got Brox, Kuo, Biemel, Johnson, Park, Wade and Troncoso in the BP, plus you can get an inning out of one of the starters if need be in between starts. Kuo’s certainly capable of a 2-inning save. Johnson’s you’re long relief mop-up man. Park’s your long relief keep you in the game man. Wade I think’s earned enough trust to pitch set-up. Troncoso can give you a couple innings. Biemel certainly is capable of pitching to more than a batter or two. And Brox I think would be better not facing the pressure of saving every game. The horses are there, but JoJo misuses them a lot of the time.

Joe sure does have a lot of options. Let’s just hope he doesn’t overthink every situation. Our pen is as good as anyone elses, their ERA has proven that. We just have to play solid defense in the late innings — no more falling asleep on the job!

okay ~ it’s me ~ brief reprieve from meet and greet :)
.
I like the idea of two closers :)
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Have a wonderful morning, boys!! and trueblu (which is really mom I to me -very strange, and the funny thing is I am the youngest out of the four of you – go figure! – lol!!, but I like the name, nonetheless)
.
I am still feeling guilty about the comment about Andre earlier. I really didn’t mean to talk to fliegel. I was really agreeing, but pointing out to swood those things to him, not fliegel. I feel bad.
.
Okay ~ back to meeting ~ talk to you later
.
June, mom I ~ ethieraholic

Why do you send slow guys like Loney so often in low-probability situations?
….To get them to run faster!
.
Do you believe in anger management training?
….Hell, yes!
.
Just how tight is that helmet?
….None of your *&%^#$#%^*& business!

The guy that I’m still peeved was traded is MIKE PIAZZA. Stupid Fox and the evil Chase Carey. Farging bastiges! Iceholes!
.
I don’t miss Beltre one bit. He had one big year – for his contract drive. Since leaving LA: .263 / .317 / .447 / .764 OVERPAID – 5yrs/$64M. That .317 OBP is terrible – Juan Pierre get bashed for putting up a number better than that. This year’s severely slumping Jeff Kent has dragged himself back up to .268 / .320. / .421. Yeah, Beltre carries great leather – but it’s 3B, not SS/2B. (Of course he probably turns the DP that Blake mishandled to cost that game Sunday…..)

I agree with all of you on Beltre. He did have one good year and his swelled head got the best of him. Glove work was very good but, there are other things important too. Gee, I go away for a few minutes to shower — haven’t found out how to take my laptop with me — and you eric, just blew me away with the Bowa post.

It’s me again ~ break time!!
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Thanks fliegel – I knew we were :)
.
Thanks to you too, eric
.
westernmost/old fogey ~ it’s good to see your name up here again!
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Question for Larry ~ who has the green lights to run and who doesn’t?
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Back to meeting :)
signed,
Nelly, June, Miss Debbie ~ ethieraholic

A new day and no new JP songs yet, so here’s one.
.
Ain’t It A Shame
Thanks to by Kurt Cobain and Nirvana
.
Ain’t it a shame to go fishing on a Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to go fishing on a Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to go fishing on a Sunday, when you got
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Oh Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Ain’t it a shame?
.
Ain’t it a shame to drink on a Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to drink on a Sunday, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to drink on a Sunday, when you got
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Oh Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Ain’t it a shame?
.
Ain’t it a shame to play Juan Pierre, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to play Juan Pierre, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to play Juan Pierre, when you got
Manny Ramirez with dreadlocks,
Oh Matthew Kemp and Every Day Dre
Ain’t it a shame?
.
Ain’t it a shame to sit Juan in August, ain’t it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to sit Juan in August, aint it a shame?
Ain’t it a shame to sit Juan in August, when you got
April, May, June, and July,
Oh September and October
Ain’t it a shame?
.
Arrrghhh, JoJo, Arrrrghhhh!
Arrrrghhh, Ned, Arrgghhhh!
Arrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhh!

True fogey, 2004 does make that spike rather suspicious. The point I was going for was more like look at the time they gave Beltre to put up average numbers without trading him or sending him back to the minors. Some people expect the current kids to function at a high level right away when in fact it takes time.

good late morning everyone!! eric i read your song on Andre by the mamas and the papas! FANTASTIC!! LOVED IT!! thats gunna be stuck in my head all the time!! and i also saw we have some disagreements on the whole “playing Andre and not JP” i said it last night and i’ll say it again… WE’RE ETHIERAHOLICS!!! haha BTW i will be taking a sign (small sign) that says “ETHIERaholic” with an arrow pointing at me! LOL!! so be looking for me on TV!! haha!!

Craig (PA): Hey Rob, as a Dodgers fan, how should a deal with the stress of a stingy owner of a big market team? It seems we could’ve gotten some more talent at the break (Sabathia, Maddux) if McCourt had been willing to spend.

SportsNation Rob Neyer: But he’s been willing to spend, and what good has it done? I think McCourt may finally have realized that giving his GM money is like flushing it down the toilet.

ACARDONA…I’ll be looking out for you…were are you going to be sitting? Will you be near ETHIER? Have fun at the game.

ENCHANTED…Like always excellent song

Great game last night. Manny and his restroom break just add a little something, something to the game. Exciting 3rd inning…Dodger pitchers were just making me nervous…MARTIN THE BARBER looking good like always, but he does need to get his batting back up….still LOVE HIME…and the best part of the game…ETHIER was playing….GREAT LIKE ALWAYS…oh yeah I noticed that him and KEMP are teaching MANNY the jump-turn-n-bump move…NOTE TO MANNY….JUMP HIGHER.

The Mitchell Report ONLY fingered players whose dealers “sang.” There were MANY dealers who’ve kept quiet, thu MANY players who were never fingered. It seems to be the nature of the game in 2008 that a player who has sudden, instant success and then backs down, is fodder for suspicion. It’s not like Beltre ever had consistent power numbers. Sorry, swood. I mean, who wouldn’t have suspected LoDuca, even without the Mitchell Report? He breaks in with 25 HRs…and the most he EVER hits again is 13, and in the past four seasons “amasses” 6, 5, 9 and 0?????

.
dodgers rule- i’ll be sitting at the 3rd base line in the loge section.. i know andre plays on the other side but i’m hoping they switch it around towards the end of the game… or maybe if i’m REALLY lucky they’ll start andre in LF tonight!!! (i doubt it) LOL!! but yeah just look for the ETHIERaholic sign!!

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dnelly- you have to let me know tomorrow if you guys saw me!! LOL one side of my sign is gunna say “Ethieraholic” with and arrow pointing at me and the other side is gunna say “let’s go dodgers” (so original right?) LOL…

ACARDONA – Well hopefully Ethier plays near you. But hopefully the cams there at the stadium get a glimpse at you holding the sign and hopefully Ethier is looking at the screen. So girl start dancing each time you see them putting people on that screen. And if Ethier doesn’t play than he loves to hang on the fence looking at the game…scream LOUD! LOL!

Hey Dnelly…it seems that you’ve been having a busy day. Up all night on the blog and then a school meeting….sshhhs girl you make me tire. But hey we need Ethierholics like you FULL OF ENERGY….

oh trust me dodgersrule… I have always tried SOO hard to get on that big screen at dodgers stadium and I’ve come SO close to getting on it but this guy in front of me blocked me so i didn’t get on the big screen but I’m determined to be on it tonight!!! haha!! and i’ll get super lucky if I get on TV!! I really hope Andre sees my sign!!

dodgersrule- haha no i don’t have kids but its so funny you say that cause that one time i got so close to being on the big screen i was with my brother (who had 3 kids at the time, he has 4 now) and he had his little girl who was only a few months old dressed up in all pink dodgers stuff and the camera guy was trying to film her and i was sitting right next to them but the guys in front of us TOTALLY got in the way so the camera guy left… i was sooo mad!! haha!!

ACARDONA….see KIDS REALLY WORK!. Well hopefully you are sitting next to either a VERY CUTE KID or a CRAZY KIDS THAT IS NOT AFRAID OF THE CAMERA….or just kiss the guy next to you during the KISS-CAM….LOL!

dodgersrule- LMAO!!!! yeah that will work!!! LOL just keep a look out for a girl wearing an Ethier shirt with a ETHIERaholic sign!! i’ll most likely be the ONLY one with that sign!! haha so you’ll know its me if i get on TV!! lol

scurtis ~ good question on the Bowa chat, and I think Amy got two questions in. I think I saw her other name come up twice.
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dodgersrule ~ The meeting was a first one back after the summer vacation so it was fun to see everyone again. Plus, we met our state goal for our school so it was more of a celebration. Each year we are given a target number for our test scores, and the state’s target is 800, so we were told today that we surpassed that goal. It was a very good day at my school. I have been told my class is going to be difficult (to put it mildly), but I am being like Andre and I am going to make it into a positive ~ a definite learning experience. As far as staying up late, it’s just something I do. I am a night owl, but it doesn’t prevent me from getting up early ethier (either). So, usually eric and I (and others at times) are up looking up articles and talking about our families (we both have 16 year olds at home) and spouses who go to bed earlier than us. That’s probably why we have the titles of mom and dad ~ we are up after all the children have gone to bed – lol!!! You seem to have quite a bit of energy yourself – great post by the way on Andre’s blog :)
.
signed,
Nelly, June, Mom, Debbie, Miss Debbie, Mrs. Nelson ~ ethieraholic

acardona ~ I have to account for my many personalities on the ITD board depending on who is addressing me, and then sometimes it’s easier just to name them all. All of my personalities have different reactions to the “Ethierisms.” I just think I came up with a new term – lol!!! That’s a list waiting to happen I think – LOL!!!
.
signed,
Nelly ~ ethieraholic

Hello ITD’ers! Haven’t posted since I stuck up for JP last week. I must say that I’m happy Ethier is getting consistent starts, hopefully Joe will let the outfield settle down. If Nomar is back tonight, who do the Blue Crew hit from the 8 spot? Russ? He’s slumping a bit so he might be put in there. His speed would be beneficial from the 8 hole and take some of the load off him mentally, it might not be a bad move.

arayd ~ I am glad to see you back, and I honestly haven’t thought about the lineup with Nomar in there, but I am sure the suggestions will start coming shortly, if the real line up doesn’t beat them to it.
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scurtis ~ I think I saw Amy ~ ladgirl27. When she did DY’s chat, I think she said that was here name for that, and I saw two questions from her. Maybe she will come on and tell us before going to the game tonight. There were some pretty good questions. I had asked a question, but it was already asked – about who he sends home and when (something to that affect, anyway).

Okay, nelly (mrs nelson; miss debbie, etc.) Acardona and dodgers rule ~ you have all gone bananas. We really need to get those darn shirts printed as soon as possible. We all have to show our support for Mr. Ethier. LOL

“If it was so obvious that Beltre was on ‘roids, then why wasn’t his name in the Mitchell Report? I’m sorry but I’m not going to just assume that my all time favorite player was a cheater.
By swood@rcn.com on August 12, 2008 1:17 PM”

I was angry years ago when Charles Barkley protested that “I don’t believe professional athletes should be role models. I believe parents should be role models…. It’s not like it was when I was growing up. My mom and my grandmother told me how it was going to be. If I didn’t like it, they said, “Don’t let the door hit you in the *** on your way out.” Parents have to take better control.”

He was right.

I hope that, for your sake swood, Beltre didn’t juice in ’04. But you better be ready for it to happen.

Meta

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